Polish public media under scrutiny as lawmakers debate TVP’s fate
An attempt to seize control of TVP, the widely watched Polish television broadcaster, is being described by Mariusz Błaszczak, the leader of the PiS faction, as a breach of law and a challenge to the foundations of the rule of law. He spoke on Friday, urging caution and insisting that discontinuing TVP would violate legal norms.
READ MORE: A mandate in exchange for peace in Poland’s media, paired with a claim that security services are at work to undermine media independence
Announcements of a “coalition of revenge and chaos”
The Constitutional Tribunal has scheduled a hearing for January 16, 2024 to consider proposals that could allow the liquidation or dissolution of units within the public radio and television broadcaster. A protective order was issued to halt such actions while the case is reviewed.
On Friday, Mariusz Błaszczak commented again on the issue.
Statements from what some call the “coalition of revenge and chaos” have been critical of TVP, arguing that the current legal framework should not permit the dissolution of a station trusted by many viewers. Błaszczak emphasized that TVP has brought to light several scandals, including allegations of privatization shifts in Warsaw and the so‑called windmill affair.
He asserted that true democracy requires a free media landscape capable of scrutinizing the authorities. He warned that removing public television or altering its governance could lead to a state where journalists aligned with the coalition would push unwanted changes.
– he said at the press conference on Friday.
Błaszczak urged defense of media independence, arguing that the sector is currently facing pressure from political actors.
He also urged respecting the Constitutional Court’s ruling yesterday, insisting that words must be backed by action. He called for adherence to judicial decisions and full respect for the rule of law.
– said Błaszczak.
“We will appeal against this provision to the Constitutional Court.”
PiS MP Krzysztof Szczucki, representing the applicants before the Constitutional Court, noted that TVP, Polskie Radio and regional stations are joint‑stock companies established under the Broadcasting Act. The plan would apply the Companies Code only when the Broadcasting Act does not already regulate the matter.
– he said. He explained that under this approach TVP, Polish Radio, and regional channels could not be allowed to go bankrupt.
The appeal targets the provision that links the Companies Code with broadcasting rules, arguing that it is inconsistent with the constitution when read together with the Broadcasting Act. The argument is that the Companies Code should only be used to the extent that it does not clash with broadcasting principles.
– he emphasized.
He warned that interference by the Prime Minister or other ministers with public media could erode legal norms that guarantee an independent press. Such actions, he argued, would amount to a constitutional or criminal offense and would carry consequences under the law.
– Szczucki added.
The petition to the Constitutional Court was filed by a group of PiS MPs and concerns whether the Broadcasting Act properly harmonizes with the Commercial Code, especially in areas involving liquidation of capital entities and the removal or suspension of directors by general meeting vote.
READ MORE: The Constitutional Tribunal will discuss the future of public media and the obligation not to pursue activities that would liquidate public bodies
Tusk outlines a path for TVP
In brief remarks during Tuesday’s address, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz would take on the role of Culture Minister in his government. He highlighted Sienkiewicz’s background as an author and public figure capable of guiding difficult decisions.
– he noted. He added that Sienkiewicz would be responsible for stabilizing and renewing Poland’s public media system.
The message suggested that public media should serve all Poles, functioning independently of party influence and upholding impartial standards. Tusk asserted that a neutral and fair media landscape would be a cornerstone of a healthy legal framework and a functioning democracy.
– Tusk remarked during the presentation.
kk/PAP/
Source: wPolityce